Sri Lanka
Off The Beaten Track Sri Lanka
Colombo, Anamaduwa, Wilpattu National Park, Anuradhapura, Kandy, Gal Oya National Park, Koslanda & Galle
based on 16 nights & daily experiences
Price Guide:
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* Pricing is a guideline only and excludes special offers. Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
Price includes:
Accommodation
Daily experiences
Daily Breakfast
The Mudhouse and Gal Oya Lodge are included on a Full Board Basis
Leopard Trails is based on an All Inclusive Basis
per person based on 2 people sharing.
Prices subject to peak season surcharges, over periods such as Christmas and New Year.
At a Glance
Ideal for couples who are looking to get off the beaten track and explore the lesser visited and more wild areas of Sri Lanka
Enjoy hidden experiences and surprise as you go along your journey, waterfalls, natural pools, beautiful gardens, old temples.
Enjoy a boat safari on Gal Oya's Senanayake Samudraya Lake - an amazing place for birdwatching
We can also organize white water river rafting in Sri Lanka for those that want to be even more adventurous
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
The Maha monsoon blows from October to January, bringing rain to the North and East, while the dry season is from May to September. The North and East are comparatively dry, with around 1000mm of rain annually. There is also an inter-monsoonal period in October and November when rain can occur in many parts of the island. Out-of-season travel has its advantages – not only do the crowds go away but many airfares and accommodation prices drop right down. Nor does it rain all the time during the low season.
Insider's View
Living Heritage is like a hidden jewel, with just 4 rooms it is ideal for families looking for complete relaxation.
Stay at Bougainvellia, perfect for golf lovers, located right in the heart of Victoria Golf Course.
Gal Oya is ideal for those wanting to explore less visited parts of Sri Lanka - you may well have the park to yourself!
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itinerary is a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you. Call us on 858 523 9000 to start planning your vacation.
Itinerary
Get off-the-beaten track in Sri Lanka venturing through some of the most diverse parts of the island. Explore both of the striking rural beauty, and also its spectacular wildlife. The itinerary combines an active vacation exploring the hidden countryside of the west of Sri Lanka with remote National Parks; the hill country in Kandy, the National Parks of Gal Oya and Udawalawe before finishing in Galle surrounded by interesting culture and history.
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Days 1-2: Colombo
You’ll start this itinerary with one night in Colombo to enjoy some relaxation time after your international flight so that you are ready to go when the adventure really starts tomorrow. On arrival in Colombo you will be met by your private guide and driver who will stay with you throughout your itinerary making the adventure seamless as you learn from their expert knowledge about this beautiful country.
Accommodation: Galle Face Hotel (1 night)
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Days 2-4: Anamaduwa
From Colombo, you’ll drive just over three hours north to the Mudhouse, where you can completely immerse in the surrounding nature. Over your two nights, you can take part in all sorts of activities such as bird watching, kayaking, treks along nature trails, cooking lessons, cycling and lovely lake picnics.
Accommodation: The Mudhouse (2 nights)
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Days 4-6: Wilpattu National Park
Then you’ll head further north again to Wilpattu National Park. Slightly off the beaten track, this park gets a fraction of the visitors that Yala does and really ensures that you have that authentic safari experience, with some days spent not seeing anyone else in the park. The dense forest means that sightings, at times, can be less common however within the park Leopards, Sloth bears, Asian Elephants, Spotted Deer and Water Buffalo can all be seen here. Over your two nights here we have included three safaris for you so that you have the best chance of seeing these amazing animals.
Accommodation: Leopard Trails - Wilpattu National Park (2 nights)
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Days 6-9: Anuradhapura
From Wilpattu you’ll next head east into the cultural heart of Sri Lanka to spend three nights in Anuradhapura. With access to some of the most famous sites in Sri Lanka over your three nights we have included a cycle tour through Anuradhapura and a morning climb of Sigiriya Rock which is spectacular. In the surrounding area of Anuradhapura when not with your guide there are plenty of activities that you can explore including cycling and horseback riding through the rice paddy fields and lush tropical surrounds.
Accommodation: Ulagalla (3 nights)
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Days 9-11: Kandy and the Hill Country
Then it is on to Kandy for your following two nights. Instead of visiting the main cultural sites we have included a brilliant trek through the Knuckles, so named for their likeness to a clenched fist. Home to over 40 rural villages and stunning mountain trails this is one of the best places to trek in Sri Lanka. The rugged trails can be a challenge but are perfect for intrepid travelers and seasoned trekkers.
Accommodation: Bougainvillea Retreat (2 nights)
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Days 11-13: Gal Oya National Park
The next stage of your journey will take you East, to explore the mysterious Gal Oya, one of Sri Lanka's least visited National Parks. During your two nights here, you’ll have the opportunity to take a boat safari on Sri Lanka’s largest lake, Senanayake Samudraya. The lake is a nirvana for bird watching, and if you are lucky, you may spot elephants going for a swim! On your second day there is a morning jeep safari also included along with a trek through the forgotten Nilgala territory of the Park. In the park there is a plethora of activities available, including meeting members of the Vedda Tribe, one of last remaining aboriginal communities in Sri Lanka which we can of course arrange if of interest.
Accommodation: Gal Oya Lodge (2 nights)
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Days 13-15: Koslanda and Haputale
From Gal Oya, travel South-East to Koslanda, where a beautiful landscape and stunning views await you. Cool off at the natural pools, go on a jungle trek within the area and also visit Diyaluma Falls which are beautiful.
Accommodation: Living Heritage Koslanda (2 nights)
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Days 15-17: Galle
Finally, finish with a stay in Galle, the historic and beautiful town on the south coast of Sri Lanka. There is so much to explore here, and we have included a brilliant tour allowing you to venture out onto the Kapu Ela River by boat followed by a cycle ride through rural Galle.
Accommodation: The Fort Bazaar (2 nights)
Experiences
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Anuradhapura Ancient City
Anuradhapura dates from the sixth century BC and is one of Buddhism's holiest sites, containing the 2,200 year old Sri Maha Bodhi tree, grown from a cutting of the Indian tree beneath which Buddha found Enlightenment.
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Colombo - Cookery Demonstration
Visit a local market to choose ingredients before heading to Mrs Dole's house where she will explain and demonstrate the art of Sri Lankan cuisine. Visitors can participate in the cooking and then enjoy the fruits of their labour with a delicious lunch.
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Colombo - Mark Forbes Walk
Enjoy a guided tour of Colombo's hidden corners. Mark Forbes or one of his team will take you on a tour of the city's historic buildings before visiting the Pettah Market. This tour lasts around two to three hours.
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Colombo - Tuk Tuk Safari
Enjoy this four hour tour of Colombo by tuk tuk. A fun way to get around, this tour is an interactive immersion into local life, culture and a chance to sample Sri Lankan food and of course tea. Heading to famous landmarks including the Dutch Hospital.
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Colombo Night by Bike
Cycle through the charming city of Colombo at dusk, as you visit some of its most iconic landmarks.
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Colonial Colombo by Vintage Car
Colonial Colombo by Vintage Car is a fabulous way to explore this evolving city as the sun sets. Cruise around in your chauffeur driven vintage car and retrace Colombo's colonial past.
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Dambulla Buddhist Caves
Dambulla is an ancient historical site set on a large granite outcrop. The caves at Dambulla are famous for their temples and have been repainted several times in the 11th, 12th and 18th centuries with secular and Buddhist scenes.
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Gal Oya Lodge - Boat Safari
Gal Oya National Park is home to Sri Lanka's largest inland body of water, the Senanayake Samudraya Lake. The jetty for the boat safari is a drive of about an hour from the lodge, but offers a unique experience unlike anything else in Sri Lanka.
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Gal Oya Lodge - Climb Monkey Mountain
Enjoy this truly off-the-beaten track experience climbing Monkey Mountain. Located close to Gal Oya Lodge, this is the perfect experience for adventurous guests wishing to get outside. After a two-hour trek, you will be rewarded with outstanding views.
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Gal Oya Lodge - Jeep Safari and Walk through Nilgala
As it is Sri Lanka's most untouched national park, Gal Oya is a fantastic location to see wildlife with very few other visitors. On this experience you will enjoy a jeep safari coupled with a walk through the unspoiled Nilgala section of the park.
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Gal Oya Lodge - Monitoring Program
During your stay at Gal Oya Lodge, why not get involved in the lodge's monitoring program? Embark on evening walks with the lodge's expert naturalists who will teach you about the conservation efforts to monitor the resident animals that live there.
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Gal Oya Lodge - Night Safari
During your stay at Gal Oya Lodge, head out on a night safari and discover the magic of this unspoiled landscape. At dusk, the different animals come out allowing you to see nocturnal animals and their behaviours.
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Guided Tour of Kandy: Gods, Kings & Men
Today head to the center of Kandy, once known as the Kingdom of Kandy. Take some time to visit the famous UNESCO protected Temple of the Tooth. Next wander around the colorful market followed by some tea at the historic Queen's Hotel.
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Kandy Market
Visit the colorful market in Kandy for textiles, as well as a lively atmosphere.
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Polonnaruwa - Meet the Monkeys
Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and the monkeys that occupy the area. These impressive ruins have been carefully preserved and have attracted groups of three diurnal primates. Get up close with these cheeky animals and learn about their behaviour.
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Polonnaruwa Ancient City
The ancient city of Polonnaruwa dates from the 10th century AD. Originally planned as an expression and statement of imperial power, the city was eventually abandoned in 1288. Many of the remains are still in excellent condition.
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Sigiriya Rock
The Sigiriya rock rises majestically from the jungle floor. It is famous for its ‘mirror wall’, so called because of its highly polished surface. Half-way up there are galleries with frescoes in brilliant tempera. Sigirya dates from the 5th century AD.
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Temple of the Tooth
This evening you will visit The Temple of the Tooth. The stunning 17th-century Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is believed to house the left upper canine tooth of the Lord Buddha himself.
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Trek the Knuckles Mountain Range
Explore the Knuckles Mountain Range on this full day trek. A local tracker will guide you through the Knuckles Forest Reserve, hiking the Corbett’s Gap Viewpoint track.
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Ulagalla - Horse Riding
Ulagalla is home to two beautiful horses. During your stay at this fabulous resort, why not spend some time getting to know them and go riding around the estate and the surrounding area.
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Ulagalla - Organic Garden Tour & Cookery Demonstration
Enjoy a guided tour of the organic herb and vegetable garden during your stay at Ulagalla. Here you can pick ingredients for lunch, and then help prepare a traditional Sri Lankan lunch using this fresh produce and an array of spices.
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Whale and Dolphin Watching by Private Catamaran
On this full day boat trip you will have the opportunity to spot vast amounts of marine life from blue whales, false ores, sperm whales and bottlenose dolphins.
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Whale Watching by Private Speedboat
Spend three relaxing hours on a private speedboat off the coast in search of the planets largest mammals.
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Wilpattu Jeep Safari
Enjoy a jeep safari to Wilpattu National Park, the largest National Park in Sri Lanka.
Location
Colombo, Anamaduwa, Wilpattu National Park, Anuradhapura, Kandy, Gal Oya National Park, Koslanda & Galle
- 24/7 concierge service
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Firsthand knowledge
- Renowned service
- Award-winning tour operator